Chinander Discusses Defense on Day Three of Fall Camp

Football
7/29/2022 12:56:00 PM

NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander met with members of the media following day three of fall camp Friday. Chinander spoke on Friday’s practice and what he is asking of the defense. 

“I do not think there are things that we are asking them to do differently,” Chinander said. “I feel like as good as those guys rushed in the spring with the addition of Ochaun (Mathis), we can do some different things on maybe third down and second and long. But I have asked those guys the whole group and the defensive line is a huge part of it. We need to do what we did last year and in order for us to really take another step. We have to get a few more sacks and get a few more turnovers. I would like a lot more and a lot more, but if we can get another sack a game, another turnover a game. And I thought we did a good job at intercepting the ball last year. We did not get enough punchouts and enough fumble recoveries so we are really concentrating on that as we start fall camp.” 

Chinander continued to talk on the depth of the defensive line. 

“Stephon (Wynn Jr.) did some nice things today,” he said. “Nash (Hutchmacher) has done a really nice job. Colton Feist has done a really nice job inside. Mosai Newsom is coming along. As soon as we can make sure we have all our Ts crossed and our Is dotted with Devin Drew we will get him here as soon as possible and get him caught up to speed. Expecting a lot out of him as well.”

He also commented on the development of Caleb Tannor and the edge position. 

“Last year in camp I think we saw a glimpse of what (Caleb Tannor) could be, and I think in the spring and through the fall we saw what we expected out of the whole time,” Chinander said. “I think he has developed himself as a really good player and is doing a lot of really good things right now. Great effort. Great enthusiasm. Becoming a leader and it is huge to get him back obviously. Garrett (Nelson) is back. We have an addition of Ochaun (Mathis) and we have the young guys Blaise (Gunnerson) and Jimari (Butler) that are growing up so I feel really good about that rotation along with a couple freshmen right now. Him coming back for his fifth year was really big for our team.” 

Chinander discussed the competition of the defensive back end.

“I think that the whole back end, you name a position, safety, nickel, corner there is great competition everywhere,” he said. “We have very very competent bodies everywhere. Guys that are going to compete. I think it is going to be probably very hard for Coach Fisher and myself to pick that starting four or five. The good news is we got guys where I feel like we can rotate more on safety which we have not always been able to do. We can rotate a little at corner or put a third corner out if we need to. But, with that being said, when we get to the scrimmage, and we actually have to tackle people, that will separate the men from the boys a little bit.” 

The Huskers will take their first day off of fall camp on Saturday before returning to the practice field Sunday morning. Nebraska kicks off its season on Saturday, Aug. 27 against Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland at 11:30 a.m. (CT) on FOX.